125.0052/128: Telegram
The Ambassador in Spain (Bowers), Then in France, to the Secretary of State
[Received November 19—10:05 a.m.]
397. Yrujo sent for Chapman this morning and gave him a salvo conducto to San Sebastian where he is asked to see Sangroniz tomorrow noon.
This almost certainly means that a proposal will be made for an exchange of Consuls as with Britain.
The stiff note of the Spanish Government just handed in at London indicates a bitter resentment of Britain’s action.
In this connection note may be taken of the fact that while the greater part of British business interests are in Franco territory conditions are reversed with us.
Learn from the French Chargé here France has no “agents” and has received none.
My own firm conviction is that we should not consider any such policy as that of the British since it would mean a departure from custom and would mean a distinct deviation from our policy of neutrality.
Please instruct whether Chapman shall see Sangroniz and if so what his attitude shall be.